Second person arrested in connection with Jacksonville shooting that killed teenager

JACKSONVILLE, Texas — Editor’s note: The above video aired on April 2, 2024.

A second person has been arrested in connection with a shooting in Jacksonville that left one teenager dead and another seriously injured.

Octavio Abundes, 19, is charged with murder and two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in connection with an April 1 shooting in the 2000 block of S. Jackson St., Cherokee County Sheriff Brent Dickson confirmed Friday evening.

The shooting killed 15-year-old Daniel V. Benitez of Bullard and critically injured his 17-year-old brother, Jesus V. Benitez. A 15-year-old has already been charged with murder in connection with the shooting, but his name is not being released because of his age.

Abund’s bonds total $1.2 million.

Daniel’s cousin said in a GoFundMe that Daniel Benitez will be remembered for his love of God, his parents, siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles, immediate family and close friends. He was a wonderful son and brother with “a heart of gold” and he brought endless joy to the world and his family.